Lawyers Unite: Protests Erupt Over Controversial Amendment Bill

District court lawyers protested against the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to redefine legal practitioners and law graduates, sparking concerns over their freedom. Niranjan Verma of Himachal Pradesh Bar Council criticized the bill, urging coordinated protests. Bar associations plan to meet in Shimla for further action.

District court lawyers assembled in protest on Saturday in opposition to the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the court complex. This proposed legislation aims to introduce significant alterations in the definitions of legal practitioners and law graduates, causing unrest within the legal community.

Niranjan Verma, a current member of the Himachal Pradesh Bar Council, condemned the draft Bill, labeling it an infringement on the freedom and dignity of legal professionals. He argued that the proposals aim to stifle their voices, highlighting the potential impact on the legal community's autonomy.

Verma announced that leaders from all bar associations in Himachal Pradesh are slated to convene in Shimla on February 25, forming a coordination committee to lead continued protests until the withdrawal of the Bill. The draft bill includes updated definitions for law graduates, specifying criteria for educational credentials recognized by the Bar Council of India.

(With inputs from agencies.)